The Latest Research on Active Sitting …

I recently attended a webinar on the potential benefits of active sitting - generating movement while doing seated computer work.  The research is in its early stages and was based on comparing a couple of prototype chairs that allow for leg movement (while computing) to more familiar work positions like static sitting or standing.  Here is what I took from the presentation:

• Unless the participants are prompted to do activity, they will sit passively in the active chairs.

• Even when active, there are only small differences in some body parts for muscle activity, blood oxygenation, heart rate and discomfort.

I am left to wonder where all this will go?  I couldn’t help but ask myself … “Why can’t we address the structure of work to encourage more productive activities away from the computer to create the movement our body needs?”  Alternatively, maybe we need to redefine all the activities we do away from our desk as necessary and productive - especially as we intuitively know that “taking a break” usually gets us unstuck and further ahead in the long run.  

We need more movement within our office days - I am not yet ready to recommend active sitting chairs as a practical solution.

(image from https://core-flex.com/pages/healthy-sitting-guide)